For the next couple of weeks, A-shift firefighters from across the city will converge at Portland Fire & Rescue’s training facilities to take part their annual mandatory company evaluations.

Engine 22's crew practice hose evolutions.

An involved scenario of dynamic hose and ladder evolutions has been created by Deputy Chief John Harding and Battalion Chiefs Ken Burns, Bob Zavodsky, Kevin Shanders and Don Russ. 

Engine 22 Lieutenant Mike carries a hotel bundle up six flights of stairs.   

These evaluations will require firefighters to demonstrate various fundamental firefighting skill-sets such as taking a hydrant, stretching fire hose to determined objectives, raising and climbing ground ladders, aerial ladder and master stream operations, enhancing water supplies, fire ground hydraulics and transitional attacks to name a few. 

Firefighter Keith from Engine 22

Several individual performance standards will also be evaluated by chief officers e.g. donning a Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), to assure firefighters are proficient within the required time standards. 

Engine 22 Lieutenant Mike making and breaking connections.

During these evaluations firefighters must demonstrate the ability to work within their company to execute and accomplish directed tactical objectives in a proper, timely and safe manner.  Annual company evaluations are a critical component to maintaining the high professional firefighting standards set by Portland Fire & Rescue.  

  Portland Fire & Rescue

  We Respond: Always Ready, Always There

  September 16, 2011

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